1st Day Being a Nurse: Feel Small and Overwhelmed

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2. How was your first day being a nurse? Please share your stories...
   
   
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   Last edit by Joe V on Mar 9, '16

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   About Brian, ADN

   Joined: Mar '98; Posts: 15,433; Likes: 16,403
   allnurses.com founder; from US
   Specialty: 18+ year(s) of experience in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele

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   20 Comments

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4. 
   Mar 10, '13

   HaHA! I've been doing this for 25 years and STLL have those days on occassion.
5. 
   Mar 10, '13

   I really started feeling this way after the first few weeks when the newness had worn off. The "honeymoon" was over. I wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into. But, I hung in there. That was about 18 years ago.
6. 
   Mar 10, '13

   Quote from SuzieF

   I really started feeling this way after the first few weeks when the newness had worn off. The "honeymoon" was over. I wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into. But, I hung in there. That was about 18 years ago.

   LOL. I thought I was feeling odd when I thought the exact same thing this week when I started my first job in psych. Smh. Im hoping it goes away.
7. 
   Mar 10, '13

   Awww. Trust me after the 5th time a Doc yells at you for something that's not your fault, a superwoman coworker sarcastically talks about your full 30min break, and you get the nerve to tell a disrespectful/disrupting family member to calm down or get gone...you will totally feel like an old timer quick! Don't worry everyday you make it back your skills grow, and before you know it a newbie is asking your advice. Enjoy the process, and keep a diary. Trust me you will laugh.
8. 
   Mar 10, '13

   I have moments sometimes in the middle of a crisis when just for a split second I think "o man,I need a nurse" and then I remember-that's me! Then I can take a deep breath and do the ABC's and get the situation under control after I control myself.
9. 
   Mar 10, '13

   I am only a short distance past my first day. I am usually a confident, self assured type, but not right now. I am humbled by the seemingly effortless management of 17 things at once by the experienced nurses. Just when I begin to feel a little less scared and confused, I confront a new unknown situation and step backward two steps. Everyone tells me this is normal and things will get better week by week and I believe them, but it doesn't help the way I feel right now. Still, I thrive on a challenge and having a new mountain to climb, i just hope I can hold it all together while I climb it!
10. 
    Mar 10, '13

    There are days when I feel like it's my first day of nursing.
11. 
    Mar 11, '13

    Quote from ktwlpn

    I have moments sometimes in the middle of a crisis when just for a split second I think "o man,I need a nurse" and then I remember-that's me! Then I can take a deep breath and do the ABC's and get the situation under control after I control myself.

    LOL..this is totally me somedays)
12. 
    Mar 11, '13

    Being overwhelmed and small is not just for first year nursing, it can still happen even to an experienced nurse.
13. 
    Mar 11, '13

    This is truly encouraging, have not even found a job yet, recently passed my boards on 03/01, feeling scared already!!!
14. 
    Mar 11, '13

    I am a new ICU nurse. Gosh, daily I feel like quitting because I feel stupid constantly. While the other nurses on my floor are amazing and help me out, I still feel dumb. I remind myself of all the great work and things patients say throughout the day to keep me going. Everyone starts out doubting themselves.
15. 
    Mar 11, '13

    Quote from newbieRN1

    Awww. Trust me after the 5th time a Doc yells at you for something that's not your fault,

    *** Uh, WHAT!? Doctors yell at you!? Why in the world would you permit yourself to be treated like that?

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